Obama and Calderon hint at added protections for unarmed US law enforcement agents in Mexico

President Obama and Mexican President Felipe Calderon are hinting at additional, unspecified measures that will be implemented to protect unarmed U.S. law enforcement agents working with Mexican security forces that are battling the drug cartels.

AP photo

Slain ICE agent Jaime Zapata (R) and ambushed SUV

The two leaders suggested the changes during a White House news conference, the first time the two leaders have met since the Feb. 15 highway ambush murder in Mexico of Jaime Zapata, a special agent with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Zapata’s partner, Victor Avila, was wounded.

Calderon cited “very important legal restrictions” in Mexico that prevent U.S. law enforcement agents from carrying personal weapons or undertaking “operational tasks.”

But the Mexican president said new measures may be adopted by Mexican security forces to bolster protection for U.S. law enforcement personnel operating in Mexico.

“It’s very clear for me as well that we must find the way of enhancing the level of protection of any and all agents who are acting within the framework of the law against crime,” Calderon said. “We are deeply analyzing alternatives for this.”

Obama also hinted at new security protections, steps that might include precautions such as having unarmed American law enforcement agents travel with protection by armed Mexican security forces.

“Obviously I’m concerned about our own agents that are down there,” Obama told the news conference.

“And so I assure you that we will be examining all our procedures and protocols in terms of how our agents travel throughout Mexico, and we’ll be working in close contact with Mexican law enforcement, who I’m sure will have important advice in terms of how we operate in that region.”

Given that U.S. personnel cannot be armed in Mexico, Obama said “what we can do is to make sure that our cooperation is strengthened and deepened and becomes more effective over time. We’re constantly refining how we do that in a way that is respectful of Mexico’s sovereignty.”